The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) has named five farmer and retailer pairs as 2019 4R Advocates. These duos have demonstrated implementation of innovative and sustainable 4R fertilizer management practices on the farm to increase agriculture production while reducing environmental impact.

“Farmers rely on trusted retailers and advisors, along with other farmers when making decisions about fertilizer application,” said Chris Jahn, TFI President and CEO. “TFI’s 4R Advocates serve as real-world examples of how implementing 4R practices on a farm can positively impact the bottom line and provide environmental benefits.”

Now in its eighth year, the 4R Advocate Program has recognized 80 growers and retailers, farming 176,095 acres in 20 states. These forward-thinking individuals serve as examples by championing sound nutrient stewardship.

The 2019 Advocates are:

Dustin Grooms, Plant City, Fla.

Jerrod Parker, Chemical Dynamics, Inc., Plant City, Fla.

Michael Ganschow, Walnut, Ill.

Malcolm Stambaugh, AgView FS, Walnut, Ill.

Danny Basham, Jr., Madisonville, Ky.

Phillip Osborn, Nutrien Ag Solution, Clay, Ky.

Jonathan Quinn, Warwick, Md.

Kenny Glenn, Southern States Cooperative, Middletown, Del.

Brian Herbek, Deweese, Neb.

Bill Nejezchleb, Fairfield Non Stock Coop, Fairfield, Neb.

The Advocates will be honored at an awards banquet hosted by TFI at the 2019 Commodity Classic in Orlando, Fla, where they will also represent the 4R program during the Commodity Classic tradeshow. Throughout the year they will also be part of TFI’s outreach efforts to promote fertilizer management practices by hosting farm field days, participating in conference panels, and speaking on behalf of 4Rs to their farming peers.

The 4R Advocate program is one of many facets of a high-priority campaign to raise awareness and adoption of 4R Nutrient Stewardship practices. Fertilizer is a key component of sustainable crop production systems, and the fertilizer industry recognizes the need to efficiently utilize these nutrients.

4R Nutrient Stewardship is an innovative and science-based approach that offers enhanced environmental protection, increased production, increased farmer profitability, and improved sustainability. Implications of the 4R nutrient stewardship system will spread far and wide through agriculture and society as a whole. For fertilizer use to be sustainable, it must support cropping systems that provide economic, social, and environmental benefits.